Considerations for Using Solar Power

March 22, 2018
By
Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical

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Policies and programs in California, combined with ample solar radiation,
make solar power a sensible choice. The state has set ambitious goals
for renewable energy and has incentives in place for residents who install
solar panels on their homes.

SOLAR SYSTEM BENEFITS

Lower electric bills. The northern California region receives more than
enough solar radiation to generate $30,000 of savings from a solar installation
over a 20-year period.

Dependability. As long as the sun is shining, you’ll have another
source of electricity during power outages.

Clean and quiet. Using power from the grid wastes natural resources and
contributes to climate change. Using generators for emergency power pollutes
the air and creates a good deal of noise.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Homeowners are eligible for a hefty
30 percent federal tax credit for installing a solar system through 2019. The tax credit has no upward
limit and includes the cost of the equipment and its installation. The
credit applies to primary and secondary homes. The percent of the credit
diminishes in 2020 and 2021.

Customers of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) who are income-qualified
will receive cash back for a solar installation from the California Solar
Initiative Program. PG&E also participates in net metering, which
pays you for the solar power you generate and don’t use.

DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

The benefits of using solar energy are many compared to its disadvantages,
which include:

Storing the unused electricity requires batteries, which take up space.

Manufacturing solar panels does use natural resources. However, most panels
last 20 years or more. Once they’re completed, they have no impact
on the environment. Instead, they prevent countless tons of greenhouse
gases from entering the atmosphere.

The amount you generate depends on the size of your roof and its orientation
to the sun.

Between the financial incentives that help you use solar power and the
immediate payback on your electric bills, it makes sense to put your roof
to good use. To learn more about the benefits of solar and home energy
efficiency, contact Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical by calling us
at (408) 868-5500 or visit our website today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the South Bay Peninsula and
Santa Cruz areas of California about energy and home comfort issues (specific
to HVAC systems).